LIFE'S A PITCH

He is completed a reported £4million move to the side that are currently sitting in 11th spot in the J1 League

He is the biggest football icon to have made the switch to Japan since Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan played for Cerezo Osaka in the 2014/15 campaign.

Another notable European who donned the jersey of Kobe was former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Michael Laudrup who netted eight times in 21 games between 1996-1997.

Podolski took to Twitter earlier on today to express his delight on being greeted in such a spectacle manner.

He said: “A perfect welcome to start this new adventure. Thanks fans.”

The former Bayern Munich man remains a firm fan favourite with the Gunners faithful, helping then end a nine-year quest for a trophy when he lifted the FA Cup in 2014.

A goal against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the 5-2 demolition at the Emirates cemented himself in Arsenal folklore, and he recently bid a farewell to White Hart Lane with his own ‘tribute’ to the ground.

Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s live transfer blog